Puri, July 24 (UDN): As Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra make their sacred return to the Shree Jagannath Temple during the Bahuda Yatra, one of the festival’s most cherished traditions unfolds at the Mausi Maa Temple—the offering of the special Poda Pitha to the sibling deities.

Considered one of Lord Jagannath’s favourite delicacies, the unique Poda Pitha prepared for this occasion differs significantly from its traditional version. While the conventional Odia Poda Pitha is slow-baked until it develops a characteristic charred crust, the offering made to the deities is fried in pure desi ghee.

According to temple traditions, burnt or charred food is not offered to the deities. To uphold this age-old ritual, the sacred Poda Pitha is carefully cooked in desi ghee, preserving its rich flavour while ensuring it remains suitable as Mahaprabhu’s bhoga.

The offering is made when the three chariots halt at the Mausi Maa Temple during the Bahuda Yatra. The ritual commemorates the belief that the divine siblings visit their maternal aunt’s abode on their return journey from the Gundicha Temple and are served the special delicacy before continuing towards the Srimandir.

Every year, the preparation of the sacred Poda Pitha draws the attention of devotees and visitors alike, reflecting the deep culinary and cultural heritage associated with Jagannath traditions. The ritual is regarded as a symbol of the affectionate bond between the deities and their “Mausi” (maternal aunt), making it one of the most heartwarming moments of the annual Rath Yatra festivities.

Steeped in devotion and tradition, the offering of the special desi ghee-fried Poda Pitha continues to remain a timeless expression of Odisha’s rich Jagannath culture, captivating devotees from across the country.